At the launch event on Monday, Lord Mayor of Belfast John Finucane and Capt. Domenico Lubrano Lavadera of the Princes Cruises ship Crown Princess officially opened the new terminal created through a partnership between Visit Belfast and Belfast Harbour.

More than £500K has been invested in upgrading the facility, and adding a Visitor Information Centre.

John McGrillen, CEO Tourism Northern Ireland, said:

“Cruise ship visitors contribute footfall to our visitor attractions and provide an opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland to international visitors, many of whom are here for the first time. Allowing cruise passengers to sample Northern Ireland also provides an effective strategy to encourage and generate repeat visits. Our investment in this gateway information centre is part of our growth framework which will support our overall ambition to double the value of tourism to Northern Ireland by 2030.”